For low-income parents, the primary motivation is often to find a school that is affordable and accessible. These parents may not have the financial means to pay for private schools or move to neighborhoods with better-funded public schools. Therefore, they may prioritize finding a school that is close to their home and offers programs and resources that can support their child's academic and social development.

On the other hand, parents from higher income strata may prioritize academic rigor and prestige when selecting a school for their child. They may be willing to pay more for private schools or choose to live in neighborhoods with top-rated public schools. These parents may also consider factors such as class size, teacher quality, and extracurricular activities when making their decision.

In the context of urban classical schools seeking to make education affordable for low-income families, the motivations of parents from different income strata can have significant impacts. If the school is not perceived as academically rigorous or prestigious, higher-income parents may choose not to enroll their children, which can lead to a lack of diversity in the student body. This, in turn, can make it more challenging for the school to attract and retain funding, further limiting access for low-income families.

On the other hand, if the school can successfully market itself to higher-income families as a prestigious and rigorous institution, it may be able to attract additional funding and resources. This, in turn, can benefit low-income families by improving the quality of education and resources available to their children.

Overall, the motivations of parents from different income strata are complex and varied, and understanding these motivations is crucial for urban classical schools seeking to make education accessible and affordable for all families.

While Mr. Mohamed makes a good point, I noticed that a lot depends on specific circumstances. For example, I’ve been working with low-income families in New York City for a few years, and I noticed a variety of motivational factors that impact parents’ choices. Immigrant parents are particularly eager to have their children achieve more in their lives, and I’m often fascinated by the resourcefulness of the parents to find the ways to place their kids in the schools that they believe hold the key to their children’s success. Also, their children often try harder to succeed at school. At the same time, children from low-income families who have lived in the United States for a couple of generations appear to try harder to achieve their specific goals, which may or may not include a school.